The ChangingMinds Blog!

Connecting with your audience

Do you every have an audience? Of course you do, every time you speak with
others. Maybe also you present to larger audiences. So you've got great
material, but how close do you get to the people who are listening to you?

I was just watching a Robbie Williams video. I'm not his greatest musical
fan, though there's not doubt he's a good pop singer and has some very catchy
tunes. What I really admire him for, though is how he really stirs up the crowd,
creating a strong bond with them. I'm not surprised he has had (and probably
still does have) such a strong following.

Here's just some of the things he did to connect with his audience.

Showed boundless energy, using the whole stage and bouncing around in
clear pleasure at being there (and not being afraid or bored).

Stopped now and again to gaze in wonder at the crowd, then telling them
how wonderful they were, the best crowd ever ('I'm only as good as you') and
thanking them.

Pulled a woman out from the crowd and danced closely with her (every
woman in the audience put themselves in her place).

Went down into the crowd along a catwalk to sing 'amongst' them and
holding out the microphone to them.

A woman in the audience was weeping and he threw her his jacket (which
she put on with absolute adoration in her face).

Brought his mum, who he clearly loves, on stage to say hello to
everyone.

Interacted with the band and dancers, again showing himself as a 'people
person'.

Asked the crowd to 'grow old with me', thus bonding them to him well
into the future.

I once saw him live in a mixed concert at Wembley and again he was an
extremely impressive. Contrasting this with musicians who just stand there and
play, he is memorable and it's easy to love him, not just his music.

Now translate this to your performances. whether it is teaching, talking to a
group of friends or doing big-stage work. How do you connect? What can you learn
from our Robbie?

Your Comments

To appreciate the genuine currents of connectivity that exist uniquely
between some people and an audience.

Each of us have an instrument within our realm to breathe into so that our
lives may find more purpose.

Though we must strive to discover, learn, and courageously trust that
whatever it is that brings out in others an appreciation for our contribution to
the whole human family, is as much apart of the composition as a microphone or
disposable costume.